HB 1271
AN ACT relating to the prosecution of the criminal offense of indecency
89th Regular Session
Jan 14, 2025 - Jun 2, 2025 • Session ended
Awaiting Committee Assignment
Bill filed, pending referral to House committee
Committee
Not yet assigned
Fiscal Note
Not available
What This Bill Does
Modifies Texas law regarding indecency offenses by creating an affirmative defense for individuals who are within three years of age of the victim, did not use force or threats, and are not required to register as a lifetime sex offender. The change provides potential legal protection for close-in-age individuals in cases of alleged indecency, while maintaining restrictions for those with prior serious sex offense convictions. The bill would apply to offenses committed on or after September 1, 2025, and would not affect existing final convictions.
Subject Areas
Bill Text
relating to the prosecution of the criminal offense of indecency BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 21.11(b), Penal Code, is amended to read (b) It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under this (1) was not more than three years older than the victim (2) did not use duress, force, or a threat against the victim at the time of the offense; and (3) at the time of the offense: (A) was not required under Chapter 62, Code of Criminal Procedure, to register for life as a sex offender; or (B) was not a person who under Chapter 62, Code of Criminal Procedure, had a reportable conviction or adjudication for SECTION 2. The change in law made by this Act applies to an offense committed on or after the effective date of this Act and to any criminal action pending on the effective date of this Act for an offense committed before that effective date. A final conviction for an offense under Section 21.11, Penal Code, that exists on the effective date of this Act is unaffected by this Act. SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.
Bill Sponsors
Legislators who authored or co-sponsored this bill.
Bill History
Bill filed: AN ACT relating to the prosecution of the criminal offense of indecency
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